Backgounder: Sino-S.African ties

Source: CCTV.com | 02-07-2007 13:56

President Hu Jintao's visit to South Africa is timely. It comes as economic, political and cultural cooperation between the two nations is growing rapidly.

From solo competition, to group martial arts, South Africans marvel at the Shaolin Kungfu from China. It's part of the "Experience China" cultural extravaganza in South Africa. Exchanges like this will be even more frequent in the future.

Indeed, the warm people-to-people relationships reflect a closer partnership between China and South Africa that's been getting better since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998. And that largely owes to China's effort to help Africa.

A climate of mutual trust and understanding is helping to accelerate the trade volume between China and South Africa. In 2006, two-way trade hit a record high of more than 9.5 billion US dollars. That's more than 30 percent compared to the previous year. Chinese super market,textile and mechanical goods are recognized and welcomed by Africans.

China and South Africa have enjoyed fruitful collaborations in Science and technology, medical service,tourism and education.

The Beijing Summit, or the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation helped to promote Sino-South African relations to a new level. Chinese President Hu Jintao showed his appreciation for the solid efforts of South African president Thabo Mbeki.

Hu Jintao, Chinese president, said, "I acknowledge the important contributions that you have made over the years to Sino-South African relations."

China and South Africa will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. This is expected to inject new energy into future collaborations between China and South Africa.

Editor:Du Xiaodan